The TrueNorth Team
Rob Wheater
Chairman
+64 27 358 8366
Rob has extensive experience gained across a variety of industries. Working in management roles, he has developed expertise in areas including strategy, business development, mergers and acquisitions, contracting, manufacturing, finance and information technology.
He is currently a director of Unison Networks Limited, ETEL Limited, Mind Hive Limited, Te Mata Holdings and Chair of Freedom Internet Limited.
He holds a B.Com (Honours), is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Ian Black
CEO
Ian has a proven track record in international business development and leadership within the software industry. He started his career in the accounting profession at Coopers & Lybrand in London. He moved into the software industry working at Oracle in Europe and Asia and then for two decades Ian held CEO, COO and VP positions within SAP’s Asia Pacific region.
He led a successful software start-up in the Financial Services sector and for the last four years, Ian was CEO of an ASX and NZX listed public company delivering enterprise solutions to the international utilities and airports sectors.
Ian has served on the boards of a number of software and professional services companies.
Dean Prebble
Venture Partner
Dean has over 30 years’ experience in early stage investment, international trade and management consulting. He has led a number of technology commercialisation assignments from initial intellectual property assessments through to negotiations with offshore licensees.
Prior to joining True North, Dean was New Zealand Trade Commissioner based in Taiwan. His earlier career includes senior positions with Jarden, The University of Auckland, Ernst & Young and EverEdgeIP.
Dean holds a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Otago and a Master of Commerce from the University of Auckland.
Paul Yortt
Non-Executive Director
Hawke’s Bay based Paul is a life-long investor and astute businessman. His extensive experience spans a wide variety of commercial ventures. Paul attributes the key to his success to working with good people who have successful track records and the capability to execute plans.
A Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors he has current directorships with Cracroft Dairies Limited and True North Equities Limited.
Andrew Bayly
Non-Executive Director
Andrew was formerly a partner at PwC and worked with some of Hawke's Bays largest companies and now focuses his time as a director. Andrew is a director of Unison Networks Contracting, True North Equities Limited, Ask Holdings Limited, AskYourTeam NZ Limited, Reduced To Clear Limited and Te Mata Holdings. He is currently also a member of the Advisory Board for Emmerson Transport Limited.
Andrew is a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, and a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from Massey University.